BEEKEEPING BEGINNERS COURSE 2026

MID BUCKS BEEKEEPING ASSOCIATION BEGINNERS COURSE 2026

The MBBKA 2026 Beginners Course consists of 2 phases; a theoretical phase which is held indoors from February to April followed by the practical sessions which run until the end of June 2026.

The 6 weeks of theoretical sessions are classroom sessions are held

26th Feb 7.30 - 9.30

5th March 7.30 - 9.30

12th March 7.30 - 9.30

26th March 7.30 - 9.30

2nd April 7.30 - 9.30

9th April 7.30 - 9.30

The theory course syllabus covers:

• The Beehive Colony

• The Hive and Equipment – Demonstration Stalls

• The First Beekeeping Year

• Swarms

• Keeping Bees Healthy

• Forage and Hive Products – Demonstration Stalls

• Handling Bees

• Getting Started as a Novice Beekeeper.

The practical section of the course starts 23rd April and provides the opportunity to attend 3 outdoor apiary sessions, for each participant, over a 2 month period in our association apiary, where you:

• Get to handle bee colonies.

• Mix with experienced beekeepers to discuss the practical aspects of keeping bees.

The apiary sessions are held weekly on Thursday evenings from 23rd April (6PM or 6.30 PM) and Saturday mornings, in order to facilitate working patterns for those attending.

You will also have an opportunity to attend a session on how to assemble wooden hives and frames (18th April, either AM or PM).

The course also includes a honey extraction session using the association hives to produce fresh honey for sale (date TBA dependent on honey crop).

On signing up for the course you will be invited to the association monthly meetings on beekeeping and related subjects, with the May to August meetings held in the Apiary.

The price of the course includes the initial annual membership fee for the association. There is no course text book provided however; the association will offer you the opportunity to purchase the recommended BBKA course book at a discounted price by participating on a bulk order. The price of the course is £95 and is payable on applying for a place on the course.

The course usually fills up fast, therefore we would recommend registering as soon as possible; registration opens on 1 December 2025. If you have any questions about the course please email beginners@mbbka.org.uk